Metopolophium Dirhodum (Walker): a Newly Arrived Vector of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus in Australia

Evidence is presented that M. dirhodum, which is widespread in eastern NSW, is an efficient vector of a PAV serotype of BYDV, and either a very inefficient vector or a nonvector of a RPV serotype. A PAV serotype was infecting cereals or grasses in at least 2 areas from which M. dirhodum was collected. Thus M. dirhodum could be used in tests with Rhopalosiphum padi to distinguish a RPV isolate from a PAV isolate, or from a RPV + PAV mixture, since R. padi transmits both serotypes with equal efficiency. M. dirhodum can also be used to separate the PAV component from RPV + PAV mixture, in conjunction with ELISA to ensure that heterologously encapsidated RPV is not transmitted. Australasian Plant Pathology 14(4) 64 - 66 Full text doi:10.1071/APP9850064 © CSIRO 1985